Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Bake

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are the comfort food my whole family requests at every big gathering. This creamy and savory casserole of golden potatoes and melted cheese is blanketed beneath a crunchy cornflake topping. It always disappears fast and somehow tastes even better the next day, warm or cold.

The first time I brought these to a holiday brunch, every pan was scraped clean by the end. Now even my picky nephew asks for them by name and I never leave with leftovers.

Ingredients

• Diced or shredded hash brown potatoes: use refrigerated or frozen and defrost fully for best texture
• Unsalted butter: gives a rich base flavor and helps the topping turn golden
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: brings out all the flavors
• Sour cream: adds a tangy creaminess that keeps the potatoes soft
• Sharp cheddar cheese: go for fresh grating for maximum melt and flavor
• Monterey Jack cheese: offers a creamy melt that balances the sharp cheddar
• Medium onion: pick one that feels firm and heavy
• Garlic cloves: fresh garlic gives the best aroma and depth
• All purpose flour: helps the cream sauce thicken and stick to the potatoes
• Low sodium chicken broth: opt for low sodium to keep flavors balanced
• Whole milk or 2 percent milk: for a creamy sauce full of body
• Cornflakes: pick a brand that stays crisp for the best topping finish

Instructions

Prep the Pan:

Lightly grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish and set it out so your mixture is ready to go

Combine Cheeses:

Toss the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack together in a small bowl then set aside so you can sprinkle as needed

Mix Potatoes:

In a large bowl toss the thawed potatoes with melted butter salt and black pepper so every piece gets coated evenly

Add Sour Cream and Cheese:

Fold in the sour cream and two cups of your cheese blend making sure the mixture stays fluffy and not overly stirred

Make the Creamy Sauce:

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat then add diced onions and cook four to five minutes just until translucent then add minced garlic and stir for one minute

Thicken the Sauce:

Sprinkle in the flour over the onion mix stir for about one minute to eliminate the raw flour taste

Add Broth and Milk:

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth ensuring no lumps then gradually add milk whisking until you have a smooth sauce then bring it to a low simmer and cook until thick about three to four minutes

Combine Everything:

Remove the skillet from heat pour the cream sauce over your potato mixture and gently fold until combined but fluffy

Assemble the Casserole:

Spread the potato mixture in your greased pan then top with the remaining cheese

Prepare the Cornflake Topping:

Melt butter and toss it with crushed cornflakes in a medium bowl until every crumb is buttery

Top and Bake:

Spread the cornflake mixture evenly over the casserole then cover with foil and bake for twenty minutes remove foil and continue baking fifteen to twenty minutes until the topping is golden and the edges are bubbling

Let Rest:

Let the casserole rest about ten minutes before serving so it sets up and slices easily

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My favorite ingredient is the Monterey Jack cheese because it melts so beautifully and gives the creamiest texture. I will never forget making this with my grandmother the day after Thanksgiving and sneaking forkfuls straight from the pan.

Storage Tips

Funeral Potatoes store well covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, add a fresh sprinkle of cheese or extra cornflakes for crispy texture. If you want to freeze, assemble up to the cornflake topping step and store in a freezer-safe dish then bake from frozen with the topping added fresh.

Ingredient Substitutions

Out of sour cream Try plain Greek yogurt for a lighter feel. For a vegetarian version swap in vegetable broth in the sauce. If you cannot find Monterey Jack use all cheddar or try Colby for a good melt. Gluten free flour blends can substitute for regular flour to keep it gluten friendly.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole sits perfectly as a brunch main next to baked ham or turkey. At weeknight dinners pair with a crisp green salad or sautéed green beans. Leftovers make a mouthwatering filling for breakfast burritos or served alongside scrambled eggs.

Cultural Context

Funeral Potatoes got their name from being a comforting staple at gatherings after funerals in the Mountain West region. Their creamy cheesy heartiness brings people together for both celebrations and comfort. Today you will find them at picnics, church potlucks, and holiday tables all across America.

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When you make this for family or friends, expect the dish to come back empty and everyone to ask for seconds. This recipe is always a hit whether you are celebrating or bringing comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen hash browns for this dish?

Yes, just make sure to thaw the hash browns fully and drain any excess moisture before using to prevent sogginess.

→ What types of cheese work best?

Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack provide great flavor and melting quality, but you can substitute with Colby or mozzarella if preferred.

→ How do I achieve a crispy topping?

Toss cornflakes thoroughly with melted butter and spread evenly. Baking uncovered for the last few minutes ensures maximum crunch.

→ Can the dish be prepared ahead?

Yes, assemble everything except the topping, cover, and refrigerate. Add the topping before baking for best texture.

→ Is there a vegetarian option?

Replace the chicken broth in the cream sauce with vegetable stock for a meatless version without sacrificing flavor.